THE owner of a Pershore pub who is using the car park as a temporary animal sanctuary says being refused planning permission means the animals lives could be at risk.

Earlier this year Adam Smith's animal sanctuary on the Isles of Scilly was forced to close, so when the 44-year-old took over the Old Chestnut Tree pub in Lower Moor, he moved the animals to the pub's car park on a short term basis.

Mr Smith said the 40 animals, which include meerkats, monkeys, raccoons, squirrels and exotic birds, have been well kept in timber enclosures on the site since September, and inspectors had been out to view the site.

But Wychavon District Council planners recently met and rejected a change of use application to convert the car park into the animal sanctuary. The application was for six months, while Mr Smith attempted to find a new home for the animals.

Mr Smith described the reason for refusal - the reduced car parking space - as "petty" as he said there is car parking space nearby.

The 16th century pub closed in August, but after spending £40,000 on refurbishing it, Mr Smith reopened the pub in October.

"The council and residents want a community pub, and everybody has said how amazing it is," Mr Smith said.

"But all we asked for in return was a little bit of respite, a bit of patience while we look for a new site for the animals.

"We had always said we were not trying to build a zoo in the car park.

"We wanted to keep a few animals here as an attraction, something different to help the pub - when pubs closures are happening all the time.

"There is no noise, no smell from the animals.

"The only reason they could find to stop it, is that it is on a pub car park with eight spaces.

"If we can't find a new home for the animals, they could be put to sleep.

"If it comes to closing the pub to save the animals, that is what we will do."

David Hammond, planning and housing services manager at Wychavon, said: “This application was refused as a reduction in the amount of parking available to this business was considered a highway safety risk, a decision which was supported by Worcestershire County Council in their role as highway authority.

"The applicant is now entitled to either appeal this decision or relocate the animals to a more suitable location."